







mM 




LIBRARY OF CONGRESS, 


(iljniuF^SGniiijrtgi^t IJo 
Shelf,i\'.4.A?, \ 


UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 






-.k-zcx 



J 




V 










<-^ :i Av ■ ' ♦ 


i «■ 


.< 


’>1 

> M* 


4 


♦ % I 


• 4 


• , . 


4 ' 


1 » 


* « • 

< > ^ 




: * 





i . 


■•; > 


f • 


< • 




% - .- • * ^*4 ^ 

4 r' 

^ • I» • « / 

* ^ \ 

*t ' .r i ^ r . : 


•J ^ 




i 


V» 


« ' 4 


\:X V W| 

• • '4 


% ^ ' 



» 


1 


• ' 'A 






^ « 


• ' 


-s 


fcv>k^f 


-V 

[.^■'^ \ *• 


, • ■•; ' ■• ’•• K-> 

• ^ - . ^ / - J >j ' 1 ». ''>v5^ 

» 





.V . ■ .•♦ -S'..- ■ 

aNl > ' ‘ ■ ■•••*. J 




FRANKIE; 


OR, 

The Little Conqueror. 

(By Request.) 


/ 


MRS. E. M. WHITTEMOCT^OF CO/y^ 

JA^v 2 

First Edition 


5 ' 5'3 ^3 ' 3 : 


DOOR OF HOPE REPOSITORY, 
102 East 6ist Street. 

Paper, 25 Cents. 




Cloth, 50 Cents. 




. V’ <- 




A-" 


Copyright, 1894, 

By Mrs. E. M. Whittemork. 


3 


FRANKIE: 

Or, The Little Conqueror. 

CHAPTE R I. 

SYMPATHY AND SELF-DENIAL. 

^|| N the Name of the dear Lord Jesus 
II and as a tribute of love to the mem- 
ory of my precious little son now in His 
presence, these lines are penned, accom- 
panied with most earnest prayer that 
those who peruse them may allow, — es- 
pecially the words recorded as they fell 
from his dying lips, before entering in- 
to his allotted place,— to renew and 
quicken within their souls z.greater desire 
to become more intimately acquainted 
with a God who could and did so satisfy 
the heart of a timid little child (of but 
eleven years), as to make even the valley 
of death to have no terror or dread, but 
by simple faith to be so lit up with the 


4 


reflected brightness of coming glory to 
his spirit, that all fear vanished, as in the 
strength of that very God he stepped 
forth in victory to the Border Land, 
closing his earthly career below, with 
praises to Him who has made us more 
than conquerors, and leaving the follow- 
ing remarkable testimony behind to the 
reality of the all-sufficiency of grace in 
such a time of need. 

Although naturally a somewhat serious 
child he was by no means morbid, but 
full of boyish pranks and mischief when 
in health, and yet, never so engrossed in 
pleasure or fun that he hadn’t sufficient 
time to think of others less favored ; and, 
repeatedly would he, in the height of some 
out-door sport drop everything^ as his- 
tender little heart would go forth in sympa' 
thy to a suffering child or beggar passing, 
and almost as often would he overtake 
and lead them to the door of his home, 
give the bell two or three vigorous pulls 
and run in for assistance of one kind or 
another; then, hardly waiting for the 
thanks that were showered upon him, re- 
sumed his play, never counting the mo 


5 


merits given up, for the pleasure of doing 
what he could to make another happy. 

With a face full of earnest purpose and 
concern, entering my room one morning, 
he asked permission to clothe a poor boy 
he knew about ; adding he wished to do 
it all himself by doing without one of his 
suits, and further said he did not wish it 
to be replaced or the other things he 
gathered together to put in the bundle. 

Off he started with a joyful countenance 
anticipating as he went forth on his 
errand of love the pleasure about to be 
bestowed, which, by the account given 
on his return proved he had not been 
disappointed, and it was quite apparent 
that through the sacrifice so willingly made 
he had discovered by experience it was 
far more blessed to give than to receive. 

For a few weeks (in order to test such 
generosity) the clothing thus given .was 
not duplicated, but 7iei)er once did a regret 
or a hint escape his lips those weeks for 
others. One day upon returning home 
with a friend somewhat unexpectedly, we 
found him very much engaged with my 
new sewing machine, and having what a 


6 


child might say a grand good time, turn- 
ing the wheel, bobbing up and down the 
foot, and pulling the strap. 

With some embarrassment he met my 
eye as I exclaimed, “ O Frankie, what are 
you doing? Now if you forgot darling 
what mamma told you, of course I’ll for- 
give you, but if you did’nt, and have diso- 
beyed me playing here, I think I shall 
have to punish you.” 

For a few moments that little upturned 
face was a study, when with a look of 
determination he finally drew himself up, 
walked over to us and said in an unsteady 
but manly voice, “No mamma, I did not 
forget. I did it because I wanted to, 
that’s why,” and with quivering lips he 
•added in a lower tone, “I shant even 
make believe to myself, for I did re- 
member.” It so touched us both I could 
not but stoop down and with a kiss forgive 
him, and that settled any further meddling 
with the machine again on his part. 


7 


CHAPTER II. 

PRAYER IN DANGER. 

® N another occasion, laughing and 
frolicking around one summer 
morning with his sister, he took his hat 
and in a wild sort of a glee threw it high 
in the air. The wind blew somewhat strong 
and the cap, being light, it was finally 
carried to the top of the roof. Both chil- 
dren for a moment were brought to a 
stand still, and with sober faces con- 
templated the difficulty of even attempting 
to procure that far-away article. 

The roof though not over nineteen feet 
in height was almost perpendicular, going 
up to a point over an octagon summer 
house. 

After a few moments of silence, as 
quick as a flash Frankie decided without 
further deliberation to climb up after it 
notwithstanding the almost tearful en- 
treaties of his young sister ; who, stand- 


8 


ing below, could all the more accurately 
take in the danger of such daring. 

Oftentimes in the lives of older persons 
who are bound to have their own way, 
they often are so permitted in order to 
prove the absurdity of it, and thereby 
taught a lesson impossible to learn in any 
other manner. Certainly the one taught 
that day will never be forgotten by either 
of those most interested. 

Up, up, he went, regardless of conse- 
quences, hand over hand, climbing up 
that sloping roof, when suddenly, just as 
he was in about reaching distance of his 
hat, there was a crash, and one of the 
shingles gave away, causing him to slip 
two feet or more. 

Realizing finally when too late the pre- 
dicament he had placed himself into, he 
called out in agony “Dear Jesus, Oh^ 
please don’t let me fall ; help me ! ” 

Instantly he was prompted to dig his 
nails into the soft wood shingles, and as 
improbable as it may seem he hung on, 
though his feet could not seem to gain a 
rest to steady him. 

As his sister, taking in the great peril 


9 


of his situation, almost stunned for a 
second, she too called out, “ Oh yes, dear 
Jesus, you won’t let him fall, please don’t.” 

Directly underneath him was a large 
mass of rocks, and it meant certain death 
unless he could be rescued. Once more 
came the cry from above, which showed 
her not one moment could be lost, “ Oh. 
dear, dear Jesus, I’m slipping; I can 
hardly hold on. Help me, oh, do!” 
Bravely did she ascend until the gutter 
of the roof was reached ; but, seeing how 
impossible it was to climb any further 
with a cheering word she hastily de- 
scended, seized a long pole with a crab- 
net on it (standing against the house), * 
and, far more rapidly than it takes to tell 
it, did she get up into the gutter again, 
dragging the pole along. Bracing herself 
against the roof she leaned over and put 
the crab-net and all right over her 
brother’s head, saying, “Hold on, 
Frankie, and I will pull you down.” It 
was not any too soon, for he had just 
about strength to grasp it and to slide 
down as she steadied the pole. 


10 


Quite exhausted, they both sat against 
the roof beam in the broad gutter, weep- 
ing tears of joy, and together held a 
praise service over answered prayer; then 
quietly descended the rest of the way 
meditating undoubtedly upon the lessons 
learned through those moments of 
danger. They explained they did not 
wish to wait till they got to the ground to 
thank the Lord, so concluded to do so 
before getting down. 

Before very long a strong wind arose, 
which blew the hat around, and finally 
caused it to fall on the grass by their side. 

If we lack wisdom in anything, “ let us 
ask of God, who giveth to all men liber- 
ally and upbraideth not,” and cease lean- 
ing so to our own understanding. 

On another day Frankie was chasing a 
hop-toad, and, becoming greatly inter- 
ested in the race; he seemed to forget 
where it was leading him ; so on to the 
pier he jumped, and the toad hopped, 
and hopped, till he hopped off, and 
Frankie followed after. Splash ! splash ! 
and down, down he went into the deep 
water out of sight. 


11 


Soon a very white, frightened little face 
was seen above the surface, and two 
hands clutching wildly around, when they 
seized on to a rope hanging over the 
dock. Gaining courage, he let out two 
or three pitiful cries, which attracted his 
sister and others on the lawn. Down 
they rushed to his assistance. 

Emma, the same young sister, got there 
first, and jumped in clothes and all. As 
she reached him, she said, “ Don’t touch 
me, but I’ll hold you,” for fear in his 
fright he might catch her around the neck 
and they would both be drowned. She 
kept herself up while holding him, by 
treading water, till her brother reached 
them ; then between them both they 
brought him safely to shore. He said, 
when he felt himself going down he called 
to God for help and while so doing as he 
struck bottom opened his eyes and saw 
sea-weed growing under the water round 
the stones of the dock, clutching hold of 
it, hand over hand he pulled himself up. 

Two such lessons learned that year 
was sufficient (of forgetful thought-less^ 
ness,) — ending though with the com_ 


12 


passionate love of God in answer to 
prayer, — to impress upon them both and 
others interested that self-inclinations 
were not to be depended upon. 

These two little incidents given may 
enable others of a larger growth to learn 
similar lessons in recalling past reminis- 
cences perhaps of equally foolish enter- 
prises by reading this simple statement. 

May we so endeavor to walk as to 
glorify God in all our ways ; then, when 
temptations assail us or trials approach, 
we will be fully fortified to overcome, 
and in submissive faith yield to the 
power and wisdom of God, which is al- 
ways the quickest way out of difficulty 
and shortest road to blessing ! 

His respect for God’s day was most 
marked, as he early learned to love the 
Lord. For instance, when but just ten, 
Christmas came upon Sunday, and 
though not desiring in any way to conflict 
with former instructions concerning that 
day, without saying anything to our 
children we decided as Christmas came 
but once a year, and so looked forward 
to, we would allow them to see their 


13 


gifts as usual, but not to distribute them 
till the following morning. Accordingly, 
they were all arranged late Saturday 
night in the library before retiring. 

Very early, about four o’clock in the 
morning being suddenly awakened by 
hearing a slight noise, I glanced through 
the passage way and by the dim gas light 
could discern a little figure gliding round 
the room with a large white bundle under 
his arm ; with some surprise and curios- 
ity I watched, (without being observed) 
what took place. Not wishing to startle 
my child, for it was none other but 
Frankie, I quietly returned to my bed, 
and none too soon, for a moment later he 
entered and almost as noiselessly as he 
had crept out fifteen minutes or so before, 
did he crawl into his bed again and in a 
few minutes was fast asleep. 

When dressing about eight or so, I said, 
“ O darling, whatever were you doing in 
the library last night all alone ? Modestly 
dropping his little head to one side and 
looking shyly out of his beautiful blue 
eyes he replied, “ why Mamma dear, don’t 
you see it is Sunday, and last night I 




14 


just could not get to sleep thinking about 
Christmas coming on Sunday, and I 
was afraid we might be tempted to look 
at our things, so I thought I would cover 
them all up, so got a big sheet from the 
nursery upstairs, and put it all over the 
presents, then we couldn’t even see them 
till Monday.” 

I learned something of great impor- 
tance from this honest confession, as I 
caught a glimpse of what true reverence 
for holy things in a child’s heart could 
mean, and for the rest of the day felt but 
too willing to aid him in encouraging the 
others to be patient ; and never once was 
that sheet lifted by a single member of 
the family until the next morning. And 
when it was, there surely was no happier- 
hearted recipient in the world, as one 
by one his presents were examined with 
exclamations of delight, nor did he in 
his excitement forget to be grateful to 
the giver of all gifts, or cease to remem- 
ber those who served in the house, and 
for whom he had purchased out of his 
savings some useful little things. So 
leaving his new treasures with them and 


15 


other articles he hastened down stairs to 
distribute them with a smiling face and 
a “ Merry Christmas ” to each one. 


16 


CHAPTER III. 

“not I BUT CHRIST.” 

® NE New Year’s eve, after praying for 
a Text that might mean much in my 
life through the coming days, these words 
seemed to be breathed into my heart in 
great tenderness, “Not I but Christ.” 
Until I fell asleep the one cry that arose 
from the depths of my being was, that 
such might be the case, as never before 
in all I did, thought or said. 

Aroused very early the next morning 
by my baby twisting and turning round 
on the bed, endeavoring by so doing and 
by many funny little noises in half under- 
tones (so as not to disturb me), to attract 
the attention of dear little Frankie, who 
was fast asleep over in the corner upon 
his own little bed. He finally crawled to 
the foot of the bed, and after a few 
moments of somewhat serious contem- 
plation, with a somewhat anxious expres- 


17 


sion, glancing over to see if I was asleep, 
and feeling satisfied that such was the 
case, he again with various efforts at- 
tempted to accomplish his purpose, and 
finally succeeded by Frankie calling out 
in sort of a whisper, while rubbing his 
eyes, “ Well, what’s the matter ?” 

Evidently feeling he was sufficiently 
aroused to answer some of the numerous 
questions that had been accumulating in 
his baby brain during that very brief in- 
terval of silence, he, much to my amuse- 
ment, with a most solemn look out of his 
big blue eyes, said, in a subdued voice, 
“Fwankie, s’pose died?” “Yes,” 

was the sober reply from the other end 
of the room by Frankie, who by this time 
was sitting up very wide awake, looking 
at this little questioner, somewhat awed. 

“Well ! s’pose Parpie died ?” “ Yes,’’ 
again came back the answer. 

A similar conversation was carried on 
a few moments longer for others, until 
by imagination every one in our house- 
hold had been disposed of excepting the 
little man himself. 

With considerable interest, my hand 


18 


over my eyes, not wishing them to know 
I was awake, I watched them both be- 
tween my fingers, wondering what he in- 
tended doing with himself. 

He sat very still with brow contracted 
and lost in thought for at least five min- 
utes. A similar query must have also 
taken possession of his mind, for, with a 
look of great concern as he once more 
straightened up his little form, he said, 
“But s’pose Fwankie me die nieself^ what 
den s’pose ? ” 

Such a question ! — from the time it 
took before the reply came showed that 
it was worthy of some deliberation. I 
could almost have laughed aloud as I 
caught the expression upon their serious 
faces looking intently one at the other. 

At last growing somewhat impatient 
receiving no answer, Baby once more 
broke the stillness, crawling down to the 
very edge of the foot-board, and leaning 
way over, in rather a decided voice said, 
though quite low, “ But s’pose Fwankie 
s'^poseV' with a little shaking back of his 
curls. 

Finally, Frankie with a smile replied, 


19 


“Why Louie you’ll see dear papa and 
mamma ; ” then, with a voice of great 
tenderness he softly added, “ And Louie, 
you’ll see dear Jesus.'' It was said with 
such implicit trust and certainty that as I 
looked at the earnest little face my heart 
went out in much prayer for them both. 

Through the innocent prattle of those 
little ones God kept speaking to my 
heart very often during that day and 
many which followed, whispering through 
the Holy Spirit to indeed reckon myself 
dead unto sin and self and alive unto 
Him as never before. To be so alive 
unto Christ as to see Jesus in everything 
by faith but with it all came the thought, 
not to follow Louie’s example in fixing 
others up first., but to begin with number 
one and leave God to care for them. 

On another occasion, when quite young, 
after a long sickness, being somewhat 
wearied with constant watching, and loss 
of sleep, a friend kindly consented to re- 
main by his side through the night while 
I endeavored to rest in the bed across 
the room. All through the night she 
faithfully ministered to his every want, 


20 


until from exhaustion, she dozed off 
towards morning; awaking with a start 
she found Frankie leaning on his elbow 
looking intently at her with large wistful 
eyes full of tears. 

“ What is it dear ?” she asked. 

“ Oh ! I’m so thirsty,” he pitifully 
moaned. “You poor little darling,” she 
quickly replied jumping up and while 
handing him a drink, inquired remorse- 
fully, he didn’t call her. 

“Oh no !” he said, you were asleep, so 
I knew you were tired; and, I was sun 
you would wake up sometime, so I 
prayed that God would not let me be 
very, very thirsty till you woke up.” 
After making him comfortable, she once 
more threw herself down by his side, and 
was quite touched as his dear little fingers 
were pressed over her eyes and to hear 
him say, “now go to sleep again, and I’ll 
ask God to wake you up when I get 
thirsty another time.” 

All this, she told me later, was said in a 
hushed voice so as not to disturb me, and 
each time during that long night when 
handing him his nourishment or water, 


21 


he would repeatedly tell her “ Go look 
at mamma and see if she’s asleep, she’s 
so poor mamma." 

The next day he confessed that once 
his knees pained so very badly that he 
was afraid he must cry out loud, but “ I 
wouldn’t,” he added, “I knew it would 
wake up mamma, so I put my head 
into the blankets and cried to my- 
self.” 

Another time while giving him a bath 
we noticed his little lips quivering as I 
poured more hot water into the tub. 
Placing her hand in she found it was far 
too warm. It was the work of a moment 
to add cold water and as she was 
doing so, inquired, “Why, Frankie, 
why didn't you say something ?” “ Be- 

cause,” he replied, Mamma was pour- 
ing in the water, and I thought it was all 
right, for I knew, you see, she 7iever 
would hurt me, unless she couldn’t help 
it.” 

Later on when fixed in his new made 
bed with a clean fresh nightdress and all 
on, his pretty curly hair brushed off his 
face, she went to kiss him good-night, 
and was quite surprised to hear him say 
with a quaint little smile,“I was thinking 


this is the way bad peoples feel, when 
they get converted, and haven’t any more 
sins.” 

“Why how’s that love?” she laugh- 
ingly asked. “ How do you feel ?” 

“ Why all the sticky’s gone, and I feel 
so clean and good,” he answered. 

One day, though usually the personifi- 
cation of patience, he was very fretful, 
and when the nurse made her appear- 
ance with his beef-tea, he positively re- 
fused to drink it. No amount of per- 
suasion was sufficient to even induce him 
to taste it, as he kept saying “ I’m sick of 
it.” Coaxing and bribing were also 
unavailing until she endeavored to 
appeal to his feelings, saying, “ Don’t 
you like me enough Frankie to take 
it for my sake ?” To her astonishment he 
shook his head emphatically, no. 

“What Frankie,” she said “you don't 
love me ?” Another shake of the head 
was his only answer. 

“And you wouldn’t care if I never came 
any more to see you ?” she continued in 
a spirit of teasing. 

Another shake of the head no. 


23 


Pretending she was much grieved, (not 
for an instant thinking he would take it 
much to heart) she rose, and said to his 
sisters, who also had tried to get him to 
drink the tea. “Tell Mamma when she 
comes in that Frankie’s hurt my feelings, 
so I won’t come and see him any more.” 

Half smiling, one asked, “Won’t you 
come if he says he’s sorry 

“Oh yes,” she replied, willing to make 
concessions “he needn’t say anything 
either, only kiss me.” 

But to this he refused and finally with 
his face turned towards the wall fell 
asleep. 

The day following she came as usual, 
forgetting the conversation of the pre- 
vious day. 

Upon entering the room, Frankie put 
out both his little hands and said, “Oh I 
asked God so hard, to make you come 
back. I do like you and I’m sorry I hurt 
your feelings.” 

When the beef-tea came up that day, 
instead of refusing to touch it, he sat up 
on the sofa and said, “Let’s pretend it’s 
chicken soup, and everytime we’ll call it 


24 


something else, and perhaps it won’t taste 
so bad.” After this while obliged to take 
it, under the name of all his favorite 
dishes then deprived of, he heroically 
drank it without a murmur. 

A few weeks later he was able to take 
short walks, and upon one occasion, this 
same friend being with him, proposed 
treating him to a glass of soda-water; 
refusing, she suggested then he should 
buy something for himself. He said, 
“Well if you don’t mind, I could buy some 
peppermints, mamma likes them, but if I 
got the soda-water nobody will have any 
but me, and I can give everybody some of 
the candy.” 

“But you don’t like peppermints,” she 
answered, “and you know you can’^esLt 
candy.” 

“Yes, but everyone else can and mamma 
likes it, and maybe she will let me have 
one at night when I cough, and if it was 
just the kind I liked, I might want to 
eat more. But I won’t hurry with a 
peppermint and it will last all night.” 

The most beautiful part of his self- 
denial was, that he never seemed to think 


25 


it was anything unusual or to be com- 
mented upon. 

Oh, that all who read these pages 
might but follow such an example through 
life I 



26 


CHAPTER IV. 

THE FAITH OF A LITTLE CHILD. 

Mark II : 24. 

UST here I will digress a little and 
relate some things further concern- 
ing little Louie, which greatly interested 
and amused our dear boy, besides teach- 
ing us all a wonderful lesson of what true 
faith really means. 

One day some one most unwisely 
gave the little fellow a large stick of 
candy when playing on the lawn. His 
nurse, a good Christian woman, knowing 
it was not best for him to eat it, when, in 
a moment of curiosity, he, laying it on 
the grass to run over to a certain place 
to see what was transpiring, she quietly 
put it in her pocket. Upon his return 
great was his consternation to find, after 
a most persistent search, that the candy 
was not to be found. What followed any 
child can readily imagine. Tears innu- 
merable rolled down those little sunburnt 


27 


cheeks, until almost sufficient had flowed 
to have dissolved the candy itself. 

After comforting him the best she 
knew how, the nurse managed finally to 
divert him sufficiently until the smiles 
appeared, and then sort of dismissed the 
whole matter from her thoughts. 

This, however, was not the case with 
the little man himself ; for that evening, 
after concluding his little prayer, he as- 
tonished her by saying most seriously, 
with a tender little quiver in his tone of 
voice : “ Dear Jesus, yer know I loss my 
candy today on the grass, and I couldn’t 
know where to find it. O, won’t yer 
please find it for me tomorrow mornin’, 
dear Jesus, Amen.” 

The nurse, as she quietly listened, 
could not but be touched by such simple 
trust, and was thus prompted to break off 
a piece of the candy, and without his 
knowledge, before he arose the next day, 
place it near to the spot where the day 
before he had laid it, as she could re- 
member. 

How did he act when the sun shone 
through the blinds into his little crib and 


28 


awakened him the following morning? 
Did he speculate in his mind as to 
whether it would be worth while to go and 
look for what he desired ? Did he think 
it would be the 7nost wonderful thing in 
the world if God actually was true to His 
word and answered prayer? (as many an 
older person by their actions seem to.) 

To both these questions the same an- 
swer could be given, “No.” He was so 
positive that his “ dear Jesus ” had not 
only heard that little prayer and had 
answered, that he could hardly wait pa- 
tiently to be properly dressed, and as 
soon as that was accomplished, out he 
ran, almost tumbling down the steps in 
his haste, while his pretty little laughing 
face was most expressive of his faith and 
hope. 

Up to the very place he was playing 
the day before did he go, and stooping 
down, pushing the grass aside, he picked 
up the candy, and began dancing round, 
saying, “O, isn’t it nice! isn’t it nice!” 
when suddenly he came to a standstill 
and his face sobered down, when, in a 
funny little manner, but with great 


29 


earnestness, he said, almost sorrowfully^ 
“Oh! Marwie, oh!” 

“ Why, Louie, dear, what is the 
matter now ?” she asked, coming to 
him. 

Then, in a still more plaintive tone, he 
continued: “Why, Marwie, there was 
more to it, it is not all I had. Oh ! oh ! 
Marwie.” There was a slight suspicion 
of tears in his voice and about to flow, as 
they seemed to be bubbling up in those 
big blue eyes as following that last 
“Oh!” his little hands began to clinch 
themselves together (after poking the re- 
maining bit of candy into his mouth), 
and his little chest heaved up and down^ 
as if his trouble at the moment was 
greater than could be borne. 

With real tact, a few words of sympa- 
thy and love, he was finally consoled, 
and soon was playing happily around, as 
if there was no such a thing as candy in 
the world, and apparently it was dis- 
missed from both their minds for the rest 
of the day. 

At night, however, after concluding his 
usual prayer, and about lifting up his lit- 


30 


tie foot to climb over the rung of his 
crib, he suddenly jumped to the floor, 
ran across the room on his little bare 
feet, dropped on his knees, and said: 
“ Oh ! I must pay more.” And this is 
what he prayed. “Dear Jesus, I thank 
yer so for findin’ m’ candy today on de 
grass,” then added, in almost trembling 
tones, “but, dear Jesus, yer didn’t give it 
all back; won’t yer please sen’ ’nother 
piece t’morrow mornin’? Amen.” 

Although a smile could not be sup- 
pressed at this unexpected little petition, 
his nurse could not resist being the in- 
strument a second time (though without 
his knowledge) of answering that prayer. 

Dear little darling, the next morning, 
as the day before, he could hardly wait 
» ’till he could run out for his candy; as not 
a shadow of a question arose in his baby 
mind concerning the prayer being an- 
swered. Cannot a little child lead us ? 

Accordingly, when he found it, he just 
jumped up and down in great delight, 
saying, as he ate it with much satisfac- 
tion, “ Oh ! but isn’t dear Jesus good ? 
Isn’t He good ?” 


31 


An hour or so later he came up to his 
nurse, and with a sudden jerk at her 
apron strings, he somewhat startled her 
by saying — and emphasizing it with re- 
peated little jerks, which would surely, if 
kept up, have soon severed the string 
from the apron — “ But, oh, Marwie ! but 
isnH dear Jesus good, just isn’t He good? 

Ohr 

“Why, of course He is, Louie,” she re- 
plied, “ but what under the sun do you 
keep saying it over and over so for ?” she 
added, rather enjoying to herself the 
prospect of drawing him out still further, 
as she gazed into his sweet, upturned 
face, so full of gratitude and love. 

“ Why, Marwie,” he said, “ don’t yer 
see He knew it wod make me sick if He 
sent it all back at once, so He jes’ sent it 
back in little pieces. Don’t yer see 
now?” he queried, most earnestly. 

We all learned this lesson : that if God, 
for wise purposes, after that, should keep 
us awhile waiting upon Him for the de- 
sires of our hearts, that we would be 
more occupied in the Giver than the gift 
or desire, and if only partially receiving 


32 


what we craved for from time to time, we 
would endeavor to be patient until the 
reality of all was ours to literally enjoy, 
and believe He doeth all things well, for 
otherwise we might become spiritually 
sick and be absorbed in what was prayed 
for, rather in the Lord Himself. 



33 


CHAPTER V. 

SOMETHING MORE ABOUT LOUIE. 
Heh. 13 : 8. 

m PON another occasion after this 
one day when most busily engaged 
sitting at my desk, with numerous corre- 
spondences, etc., I heard a little noise 
behind me, and presently a pair of small, 
loving arms were thrown round my neck 
and amidst many kisses and hugs from 
Master Louie (who had stolen into the 
library and on tiptoe advanced towards 
me,dragging a small chair after him across 
the soft carpet, before almost aware of 
his presence, had managed to climb up 
and thus attract my attention), he said : 
“O, Marmie, dear, won’t yer please buy 
me a drum ? now please do ?” 

I could not but groan inwardly to my- 
self, for if there was any instrument of 
almost torture to my ears, it was a child’s 
drum, and it did seem as if I had gone 


34 


through such experiences in former days 
with granting similar requests from my 
other boys, that I could not willingly ac- 
quiesce. All the time these thoughts oc- 
cupied my mind the little pleader was 
caressing and loving me, while awaiting 
somewhat patiently the answer. It finally 
came with a smile, as I stroked his little 
head and said : “ Not today, darling, not 
today.” 

Somewhat disappointed, he quietly de- 
scended from his high place, and in a 
little while was busily engaged with his 
playthings, and no reference whateve*" 
was made to his desire until the follow- 
ing evening, when, with a face ever so 
much more in earnest, and such a wistful 
look out of his blue eyes, he got into my 
lap and again made the request. “ O, 
but, Marmie dear, won’t yer please buy 
me a drum ? Please do, there!’^ 

“ Why, my darling,” I replied, unable, 
for all the former scruples against them, 
to any longer withstand such interces- 
sion, “ do you really want one so badly 
as all that?” 

With a look of hope dancing into his 


35 


eyes, I intuitively read he felt confident 
I would not talk even about it if not pos- 
sibly to concede with his wishes, he said, 
in quite a happy little manner ; “ O, yes^ 
Marmie, yer know I do.” 

“Well, then, Louie,” I replied, “just 
tell dear Jesus about it.” 

Throwing his little arms around my 
neck, he, in a most reverent tone of voice 
said ; “ Dear Jesus, won’t yer please send 
marmie some money, so she can buy me 
a drum. Amen.” 

Precious little one, often had he prayed 
with me in his baby way when I’ve been 
waiting upon God for money to meet the 
needs of the Door of Hope, and as often 
had we thanked the dear Lord together 
for answered prayer, and now, as his 
need arose before him, he felt the money 
must be given first before the drum could 
be secured. It touched my heart very 
much, but not more than the next morn- 
ing, very, very early, before hardly 
awake, I felt some one standing near my 
bed. To my surprise, it was Baby 
Louie, all dressed, as if awaiting me to 
speak. I exclaimed with some astonish- 


36 


ment, “What ever are you doing, my 
darling, this time in the morning, and all 
dressed ?” 

Appearing not to heed the question, 
and feeling satisfied I was sufficiently 
aroused to understand what he said, he 
continued to surprise me by saying, 
“Will yer please give me yer keys, 
Marmie dear?” 

“Give you my keys, darling!” I ex- 
claimed, “ what for, pet ?” 

“ O cause,” he said, “ I want to go 
down and get your letters.” 

“Letters!” I further exclaimed, '■'■this 
time in the morning, and what do you 
want with my letters, Louie ?” 

“Oh, I thought, I didn’t know, Mar- 
mie, but p’raps there’d be some money in 
one of the letters for my drum ” (know- 
ing that that generally was the way 
money came in answer to prayer for the 
Home referred to). 

I gave him the keys, and my mother 
love was such that I did just breathe out 
a little prayer that there might be some 
money in one of the numerous letters I 
was sure he would find in the box. 


37 


Thank God, He never answers foolish 
prayers, for if there had been money I 
might, without any explanation, have 
caused him to suppose it was sentjwsi 
for his drum. 

Letter after letter was opened, until the 
last seal had been broken, and not even 
a postage stamp was enclosed. His dear 
sweet little face was a study to behold, as 
with great patience he watched with ex- 
pectancy every envelope torn open. 

Seeing there was nothing in any of 
them he quietly left the room, after kiss- 
ing me, without a remark, or “Just as I 
expected,” which probably would have 
been said by some children of an older 
growth, under similar circumstances, for 
other things. 

It somehow took such a hold of me 
that I resolved not to return home that 
day without the coveted treasure. 

After our Bible Class at Door of Hope^ 
walking down the block with two friends 
to meet an engagement, I related the cir- 
cumstances to them as an instance of 
simple faith, and as we came near a store 
where toys were kept, requested them to 


38 


wait by the entrance a few moments 
while I ran in to order the drum to be 
sent to my house. I hastened down the 
length of the store, when it suddenly oc- 
curred to me to purchase two, instead of 
one, knowing how his generous little 
heart would throb with delight in being 
able to give the same amount of pleasure 
to his brother. Just as I was giving my 
directions, to my great surprise I found 
these friends had followed me to the toy 
department, and one, touching me on the 
arm, said, all out of breath : “ Wait a min- 
ute, don’t you pay one cent for the drum. 
I know it isn’t much, but his dear little 
prayer shall be answered, and so you 
must let me pay the bill.” Thus God sent 
the money, after all. 

I laughingly assented, and yet could 
not but feel that even in such a little 
matter as that God was interested. 

What followed ? 

Upon reaching home I found the bun- 
dle awaiting me. Taking it upstairs, I 
called my darling, and one glance at the 
bundle, before even touching it, caused 
his face to light up with most exquisite 


39 


joy, and with trembling little fingers, full 
of excitement, he opened the large par- 
cel, and upon beholding two drums, his 
delight knew no bounds. Then a beau- 
tiful lesson seemed to come to me, and a 
most important one, and not too difficult 
for even his young mind to grasp. I said : 
“ Darling, don’t you see dear Jesus did 
for you the same as He sometimes does 
to mamma. He wanted to teach little 
Louie to wait on Him and be of good 
courage, and that the seeming delay was 
not a denial, only to see how far and 
much you really trusted Him, and, dar- 
ling,” I went on to say, as in his serious 
attention I saw he had actually for the 
moment forgotten the drum, “ He kept 
you waiting a little, I believe, too, just to 
give you twice as much. You asked for 
one drum,and He didn’t give it right away, 
and when that came He gave you — as 
He so often does to mamma when trust- 
ing for other things — as an added two 
drums, ever so much more than you 
asked, pet. O, Louie, don’t you see, 
darling. He is willing to give us even 


40 


more than we seem willing to ask for? 
Now, pet, what are you going to do ?” 

Putting his little arms round my neck 
once more, he said : “ Oh, Marmie, I’d 
just like to hug dear Jesus !” With a few 
quite intense little words of thanks from 
his lips, he jumped down and began ex- 
amining the drums. 

“Well, Louie,” I again interrupted, 
seeing him somewhat lost in thought, 
“what are you going to do with both 
drums ?” With a sweet look, he answered 
promptly, “ Fm just going to give one to 
Fwankie,” and so he did, which added 
much to his enjoyment, as they strutted 
round the room, up stairs, down stairs, 
and in fact, all over the house, for the 
rest of that day, and they drummed and 
they drummed, and still they drummed, 
until the moment came for that final drum, 
as the sides broke in ; but he was so satis- 
fied that I hav’n’t heard the word drum 
again for many a month, and I believe I 
shall never dislike a sound of a drum, for 
it will ever remind me of what true, un- 
questioning faith really is. 

God grant that those who read this lit- 


41 


. tie story may pause a moment and ask 
for a like trust, and with it follow on to 
know the Lord as never before. 



42 


CHAPTER VI. 

HOW THE WATCH CAME. 

^jI^ANY more instances could be 
X. IIa/ given equally interesting, but 
enough has been recorded for the reader 
to become pretty well acquainted with his 
character, etc. Only one more therefore 
will be referred to before touching upon 
those sacred hours preceding his en- 
trance into Heaven. 

Last April after a slight illness he was 
suddenly awakened one night by the cry 
of “Fire,” and with the other members of 
the house, obliged to hasten down stairs 
from his warm bed just as he was. The 
shock being so great to his nervous sys- 
tem, and breathing in considerable smoke 
before it was put entirely out proved more 
than his frail body could endure, and 
two days later found him very sick ^ain. 

Repeatedly did I hold my darling 
before the Lord, but somehow never could 
claim his healing, and finally could only 


43 


pray whatever might be most to his glory 
should be accomplished, only to give the 
grace to stand what that would be. Two 
days later after a thorough examination 
the doctor pronounced his case incurable, 
though stated he might live on for some 
little time with great care. 

At first his sufferings were so intense 
that they absorbed most of his attention ; 
and although we had a very excellent 
trained nurse, he called for me so inces- 
santly that I could not but feel strength 
sufficient would be granted, and after 
those first two weeks cared for him 
myself day and night until God took him. 

As I recall those long, long weeks of 
suspense and watching, I can see now 
how he was being trained through suffer- 
ing to enter into the Home above. 

With most marvelous patience and 
heroic resignation, day by day did he 
also, as it were, await that summons. 

From time to time a smile was brought 
on his tired little face, as his papa or 
brothers would drop a bright coin into 
his hands. He would carefully put them 
away in his purse and many times would 


44 


count over his possessions, until one day 
he asked how much it would cost for a 
little boy like him to go to his summer 
home in N. L. I told him about “I1.75.” 
“Will that pay for everything, Mamma ? 
he asked. “ Yes, darling,” I replied. 
Then he informed me he had already 
$1.70. 

His little brother overhearing our con- 
versation hastened from the room and 
standing in the doorway jumped up and 
down, making all sorts of gestures to 
attract my attention while beckoning me 
to come to him. 

Pulling me into the Library as I arose 
to follow him, and putting his arms 
round my. neck, he said somewhat ex- 
citedly, “Oh Marmie, can’t please do 
let me give Fwankie five cents ; you know 
I have six cents ! ” Then all out of 
breath as he awaited my reply, I said, 
“But darling, you will only have one 
penny left ! ” — wishing to prove his gen- 
erosity a little. “ Oh, but Marmie, /don’t 
care, for then Fwankie will have $1.75, 
you see ; can’t I ? ” 

“Yes, Louie,” I promptly replied, and 


45 


in less than no time the small bank was 
opened, five pennies counted out on his 
chubby little hand, and putting the one 
remaining cent carefully back, he trotted 
off so happily into the other room, laid 
them on his brother’s bed, then almost 
as quickly, quietly slipped behind the 
door to enjoy the surprise, as Frankie 
turned and saw them lying there. When 
he knew they were Louie’s, it was some 
time before he could be induced to take 
them, but finally did, rather than to hurt 
his feelings, and with most profuse 
thanks. 

Nothing more was said until the even- 
ing, when turning to his papa who was 
sitting close by, he began by “ Papa, 
would you please let Tommy come up to 
the country this summer.? You know, 
papa, his papa can’t send him away” 
(he was in very moderate circumstances, 
and the child was quite delicate). Just 
as he was about to reply Frankie inter- 
rupted, saying, “ It won’t cost you any- 
thing, because Pve been saving up my 
money every day now, and mamma said it 
would cost about #1.75 for a little boy 


46 


like me to get up there, and I want 
Tommy to go to the country.” 

“ Why, my child,” his papa answered 
with much feeling, almost overcome with 
such unselfishness and real sacrifice, 
“ of course he shall come up, and stay as 
long as you like, but you shall not pay a 
cent, darling, towards it, papa will gladly 
do it ; you save your money to get what- 
ever you want tor yourself” 

“ O, but I don’t really want anything,” 
he replied. Just then I stepped up and 
said, “ How would Frankie like to save 
up till he got enough to buy a nice 
watch ? You’ve always wanted one.” 

For a moment that upturned face was 
a study of uncertainty and delight over 
the very idea. Finally it was agreed, if 
he was a good boy, from time to time 
his little sum would be added to ; and 
two weeks later a silver watch was 
bought. While I was out purchasing it 
he said to the nurse, “ I almost wish I 
had waited till I had money enough to 
buy a chain too.” “ Well,” she replied, 
“ who knows, perhaps mamma will buy 
that as well” “ Oh nof he replied,” I 


47 


don’t want mamma to spend her money on 
me.” His delight was almost beyond de- 
scription, when an hour later I put into his 
hand that silver watch and a pretty little 
chain attached. He patted it, held it off at 
arms-length, then as close as his eyes 
could take it in, exclaiming, “ O, isn't it a 
beauty though ? ” Every night until his lit- 
tle fingers became so weak that he could 
not close the lid or wind it, he cared for it 
regularly, and was always satisfied as long 
as it was set to the same time as my watch. 

When finally unable to attend to it, he 
was most particular even to the last night 
when undressing him, to turn, as he 
kissed me good-night, and say, “Don’t 
forget my watch, Pet (one of his favorite 
ways of addressing me), please wind it 
and see if it is \\\ie yours” It was to his 
boyish idea the best of all his belongings, 
and later towards the close of this story 
you will read how it was disposed of. 

How real Heaven is to a little one! 
When Louie heard he had gone to God he 
exclaimed, “ Oh ! then Frankie is all well, 
and he can shut his watch all himself 
now!” 


48 


CHAPTER VII. 

“from glory to glory.” 

** And I will write upon him the Name of my 
God.” Rev. 3: 12. 

® NE of the last rides my precious 
child took before leaving for the 
mountains, was upon an errand of mercy. 
Leaving him in the carriage a few minutes 
as I went in to make the call, a little 
Italian girl, — who had been told consider- 
able about him, and who, through the 
patient and loving training of the person 
I went to visit, had been led to give her 
heart to the Lord a short time since, — 
stood looking at him most intently near 
the door, though not observed by those in 
the carriage. Upon leaving, she quietly 
entered Mrs. H — ’s room and sat down. 

(It was not either until days after my 
darling’s body was laid away, that I 
learned the result of that serious con- 
templation on the door-step that after- 
noon. I felt it was such a sweet tribute 


49 


to his memory that I cannot but record 
it.) 

Mrs. H. began by telling her how ill 
Frankie was still, and taking her by the 
hand, drawing her a little nearer, said, 
“ Now Lizzie, you and I must pray to the 
good God that He will cure little Frankie 
and spare him for his mamma’s sake.” 
With much surprise she regarded the 
child who with a most decided shake of 
the head, but earnest.] expression, 
answered, “But I can’t, he is going to 
die, I know it.” 

“ Why, what do you mean Lizzie ? ” she 
inquired. “ Because I’m sure he won't 
get well, why I saw him this afternoon, 
when his mamma came in,” she 
answered. “Well, what of that, child, if 
you did ? God can make him well.” 

“ But He won't. Why, I saw our Lord 
on his face, and I’m sure God is going 
to take him to Heaven, so I can’t pray 
for him to get well,” she softly replied; 
nor could she be induced to pray for 
more than that his pains might cease. 

O that we of larger growth might be 
so close to God as to reflect His glory 


50 


and be so marked of Him as to be more 
readily discriminated from the world and 
attract attention to Him ! 

It was thought best to have him taken 
up to the mountains, as the sea air was 
somewhat heavy for him to breathe. He 
bore the journey exceedingly well and at 
times brightened up and noticed the 
beautiful scenery, with considerable in- 
terest as we travelled upward. 

For a few days on the top of those 
grand old mountains way up in Meredith, 
N. Y., he showed signs of improvement, 
and even began to relish the food pre- 
pared ; but, the following Monday night 
he had a dreadful turn with his heart, 
which was the chief cause of all his suf- 
ferings, forcing him for nearly eighteen 
weeks, to obtain what rest he could, from 
an almost upright position or on his 
knees with five or six pillows built up be- 
fore him, and all during those tedious 
and painful nights he was only able to 
actually lie down but six or seven times 
upon his bed as others could, and when 
able, he would exclaim “Oh how good! 
Jiow nice !” though day after day passed 


61 


without a murmur. Only once can I re- 
member his saying — when from the win- 
dow he saw the other children at play — 
with a somewhat pitiful expression, 
“ Ain’t I ever going to be able to run 
around as I used to ?” The many friends 
who came almost constantly to make in- 
quiries concerning his condition or to see 
him, remarked repeatedly with surprise, 
they could hardly understand, how he 
could so unresistingly endure with pa- 
tience all he had to contend with. It was 
most apparent to those who were more 
constantly in attendance, that in submis- 
sive resignation to God’s will his sum- 
mons was awaited ; in fact, one could 
readily now and then catch the very ex- 
pression also, while looking into his pen- 
sive eyes. 

The dear friends with whom we were 
staying at the time of his entrance into 
Heaven, stated they felt honored by his 
presence, and that his memory should al- 
ways be cherished, for the beautiful les- 
sons of implicit trust and faith he uncon- 
sciously taught them, and that they con- 
sidered it but a personal call to each 


52 


member of their family to but more fully 
realize what one could become if but 
wholly yielded to God. But to return, 
the pain increased to such an extent, that 
I felt the end was fast approaching. Up 
to this time, though we had often talked 
of the Lord and read the Word together, 
I had never said anything directly about 
dying ; not that I imagined it would in- 
timidate him, but felt it might be an oc- 
casion of concern, as he would think over 
in his little mind what it would mean to 
those who loved him. 

(Nothing pleased nor rested him more 
towards evening than to have me or 
others read from the Bible, and often 
would he insist upon having the same 
chapter read over and over before 
another could be started upon, exclaim- 
ing “ O that was nice, read it again,” etc.) 

I felt, however, as I watched and held 
him, the time had come to speak of dy- 
ing or I might regret it later on, and ten- 
derly enfolding him in the arms that I 
knew only too well would soon be empty 
I said “ Darling, perhaps dear Jesus wants 
to take mamma’s precious little Frankie. 


53 


Would you be afraid to go with Him, 
darling?” Without the slightest hesita- 
tion, he promptly replied “ No, Mamma.” 
“Are you sure, darling?” again I ques- 
tioned. “ No,” again came the reply soft 
and low. Hearing the sobs which I en- 
deavored to suppress, between his gasps 
for breath he said so gently “ Don’t cry. 
Pet; don’t cry Mamma.” Told me he 
would give my love to grandpa, and 
would wait for me till I came, etc. In 
an hour more he became more quiet, but 
was very weak all the following day, re- 
fusing food or even water. 

During Tuesday night very much ex- 
hausted I dropped off asleep for a little, 
when awakening suddenly, I saw 
my precious child trying to balance him- 
self by the edge of the bed as if in search 
for something. Quickly arising I said, 
“Why, Frankie darling, what are you 
doing ?” 

“O Mamma dear,” he answered, “I 
knew you were so tired, I wouldn’t wake 
you, I only wanted a drink, so thought I 
could get it myself.” 

Up to the very end that beautiful trait 


54 


was noticeable, always thinking of others, 
even though at the risk of an increase of 
suffering to himself. He finally fell into 
a most refreshing sleep and awoke 
exclaiming, “Oh Mamma, I feel so good ! 
Why, Mamma, I feel all made over!” 
With a grateful heart, though as I gazed 
into his beautiful eyes I was not de- 
ceived (otherwise the shock at parting, 
when it came, would have been much 
greater), I stooped over and kissed him. 
It was such a grand day, the air was so 
balmy and dry, that I asked him if he 
would like a little drive. He assented 
readily, and was carried down, placed by 
my side and comfortably seated on the 
cushions. We were only out half an 
hour ; but how he enjoyed it, as he rested 
his head on my shoulder against his 
favorite little pillow, saying half to him- 
self and half aloud to me, “O isn’t this 
good 1 isn’t this good !” over and over 
again. Upon our return he requested to 
be put on his knees in the parlor and 
there he remained leaning up against the 
sofa from twelve until six o’clock in the 
evening, refusing everything but water. 


55 


Several times I endeavored to change his 
position, but as often would he say» 
“Don’t, Mamma dear, I feel so good ! O 
I do feel so good I don’t want to move, 
I'm not tired.” 

About six, while stroking his little 
head he looked up with such a grateful 
smile saying, “Are you all alone, Mamma?” 
“Yes, Precious,” I replied. “Then thank 
dear Jesus, Mamma, thank him.” Quite 
overcome I endeavored so to do, and at 
the close of my prayer as I stooped to kiss 
him, he said “There, that’s right.” In a 
few moments later he became very cold 
and feeling the paroxysm coming upon 
him again we helped him on to the sofa, 
when throwing up both his arms he 
quietly said, “Well, it’s all over, I’m 
dying.” 

What 'followed as he flung his arms 
round my neck, and afterwards held up 
by his sister, doctor, and others, I will 
pass quickly over ; until in answer to 
prayer wrung from agonizing hearts, his 
sufferings ceased, and he was tenderly 
carried upstairs and placed in his old 
position on his knees upon the bed at his 


56 


request, with numerous pillows piled up in 
front so to rest against and for nearly three 
hours or so I had my darling boy, so far 
as we know, free from pain. 

Glancing at me with some concern as 
I sat close by his bed giving him occa- 
sional drinks he said, ‘‘You can’t be 
comfortable. Mamma.” “Yes, darling,” 
I answered. “Oh are you ?” he said, then 
began a conversation, which at the 
suggestion of my daughter I wrote down 
quickly word for word as it fell from his 
lips ; for being very weak every sentence 
was slowly spoken, and a few moments of 
silence between each wish expressed. 

“If I die. Mamma dear, Louie can have 
all my presents, only give Baby a few of 
my toys.” 

“Give Hennie my knife !” 

“Emma my seal-ring !” 

“Minnie my pocket-book ! And Mam- 
ma, I want please to have my watch, 
only please sell it and give the money to 
the Door of Hope,” the home he had so 
often prayed with me for and which I 
had a little over three years ago opened 
for Fallen Girls. As I took that highly 


r 

57 

prized watch, the dearest of all his 
treasures and thought how he desired the 
best he possessed to be given to God, not 
considering in his heart anything too 
much or great to give to the dear Lord 
he so loved, I was completely overcome. 
It was indeed a whole-hearted offering. I 
was so touched, that as his sister came in 
the room I beckoned her over to my 
side, and in a whisper told her in these 
words, “Did you ever hear anything like 
this,” etc., when Frankie interrupted, by 
softly saying, “Please don’t talk about it 
Mamma dear, I’m not dead yet.” Dear 
little lamb, he was always so modest in 
all he did, so never cared as some do, 
to hear others referring to what he felt he 
ought to do. 

(Cannot a little child lead us older ones 
to what true giving means, and will we 
not let this be the time ?) 

After a little pause he again spoke 
“Give papa all my money.” “Why 
darling,” I asked '’'’what would he do with 
that?” — (he had saved up nearly four 
dollars during the summer.) 

“I want him to buy something all fo 


58 


himself to keep,” and added, “he’s so 
nice.” 

“To Siddie ! why Mamma” he said, in a 
most plaintive sad little tone, “I’ve onlyz. 
kiss left, give that to Siddie, I’ve nothing 
more left to give away.” 

Remembering the small gold ring on 
the bureau I suggested he could have 
that^ so said, “You could give him your 
ring, love.” 

“O, yes,” he replied, brightening up a 
little, with a happy look of relief, “give 
him THAT.” 

Feeling satisfied that each one had 
been cared for, he rested a few moments, 
then broke the stillness by saying, with 
emphasis, though in a very weak voice : 
“O, I am so glad, I am so glad that Jesus 
came and died to save me. Thank God, 
Mamma, Mamma pray — ” I did, and when 
through, he reverently said aloud, 
*^Amen” and— “God is so good.” 

After another interval he spoke of his 
dog, saying, “I love Prince, my dog!” 
How many times since has memory re- 
called the two, dear Frankie, propped up 
on the sofa, with that faithful watch dog 


59 


lying on the floor close to his side, hour 
after hour, and how he would, between 
his pain, stoop lovingly over and pat him, 
while with words of admiration would he 
call attention to him. After he died it was 
pitiful to see the poor dog go from room 
to room looking into our faces, and in 
this mute way express his distress as it 
were for his little master. 



60 


CHAPTER VIII. 

Rev. 3 : 21. John 5 : 20. 

H FTER a few moments more of rest, 
I said, “ You love dear Papa, don’t 
you darling? ” Wishing to carry some lit- 
tle word home to the one so far away, and 
who so fondly cared for him, and was 
denied the privilege of ministering to him 
with us towards the last. 

“ O yes, Mamma,” he replied with a 
look of real pathos sweeping ever his 
face, “Papa is so good, Papa is so nice.” 

“Do you love Emma, darling?” “O 
yes. Mamma,” again he answered. Then, 
I said, “You love Mamma too, don’t you 
Frankie ? ” Raising himself a little on 
his hands, while turning his face more 
towards me, so full of tenderness, he 
Love you / H’m ! Well, I guess!” 
It was so expressive and like his old self, 
we could not but smile in the midst of 
our grief, and it helped to assure us of 
how perfectly conscious he was to his 


61 


surroundings. I next asked if he didn’t 
love Minnie too, and he responded as 
before, “ Fl^s, Mamma dear,” and added in 
such a sweet voice, “ Why, Mamma, I 
love a// my family.” 

In a few moments more the silence was 
again broken, by his trying to sing; at 
first, I could hardly make out the words, 
so asked what he was singing ; when he 
stopped, and said with some surprise, 
“ Why don't you know. Mamma ?” and 
started again, though in a very weak 
voice, “ Take me as I am,” a little louder, 
'■'■He takes me as I am," and his strength 
gave out for full ten minutes or more. He 
rested a little at my suggestion, and just 
when my heart seemed to be indeed break- 
ing and the reality of everything swept 
before me, he startled us by saying, and 
to my great astonishment, “ Mamma, get 
on the other side of the Cross.” We 
could not at first understand the mean- 
ing. Leaning over him I could not but 
say, “ What is it. Love } what do you 
mean I could hardly believe I heard 
aright. Such a grand thought and from 
such a young disciple ! Again he dis- 


62 


tinctly said, other side of the Cross” 
What a marvellous thought! What a 
glorious message to leave behind ; for on 
this side, is it not the sorrow side ?” the 
crucified Christ, sadness, affliction, and 
care ; while the other side is the resur- 
rected side, the place of victory, joy in 
anguish ; faith, hope, glory I Not seeing 
the Cross, but resting against it with 
faces heavenward pressing forward to 
the mark of our high calling. 

As never before through Christ did I 
step over in faith that night to the other 
side of the Cross, and, when in a few 
minutes later— after three times assuring 
me he was not afraid to go with Jesus 
and would giye my love to “ Grandpa ” in 
Heaven, adding with a beautiful smile of 
encouragement “ Why mamma, I’m going 
to be all well” — God spoke victory to 
my heart ; and, when I answered “ Yes, 
my darling, and mamma’s Frankie will 
never have any more pain,” his face fairly 
lit up as he bowed assent, and gathering 
as it were all the remaining strength left 
in that frail little body, while a halo of 
glory seemed to shine round and about 


63 


him, as his eyes sparkled with peculiar 
lustre, he said, in a voice just tuned for 
Heaven, “O God makes me so happy,” 
dropped his dear little head on his hands, 
and breathed himself into the presence 
of the One who had so marvellously sus- 
tained and used him for our comfort to 
the very last. 

In silence by faith I stood, with my fin* 
gers pressing those eyelids so tenderly 
over the eyes that would never look into 
my face here below in their straightfor- 
ward manly little way again. One minute 
passed and many others followed, but 
still I stood ; and, somehow for the joy 
that was set before him could almost 
with a smile, by imagination, see my pre- 
cious little child that loved me so devot- 
edly, walk through the Valley of Death 
alone without a tremor, so conscious was 
I of that “Presence ” that went before 
Him, and by faith I caught myself in 
that dead stillness, almost peering into 
the pearly gates on high as they burst 
asunder to give him an abundant en- 
trance above, and could almost see the 
surprise of delight crossing his then ra- 


64 


diant little countenance, as he for the 
first time by experience took in the situa- 
tion, and could say, as he had often sung 
on earth, “ The half has neve,r yet been 
told.” 

Gathering that precious little lifeless 
form to my heart, I felt more than “fully 
persuaded, that what I had committed 
unto God from the day of his birth — this 
one little Lamb of the Kingdom — He 
was able to keep against that Day,” and 
further, that later on would return him 
forever (when my Mission below was 
ended) so clothed upon of Christ as to 
render him far more beautiful and per- 
fect than the fondest conception of a 
mother’s aspirations could ever even at- 
tain to. 

The days following only those who 
have passed through such sorrow can 
justly appreciate what it means ; nor need 
they be dwelt upon, for though the tears 
would flow and the heart ache and still 
does and will, the blessed Lord has by 
His presence sustained, blessed and 
strengthened us all. 

After lovingly caring for his little body. 


65 


never can I forget, while kneeling all 
alone in that little room, watching the 
daylight for the first time creeping over 
his dear little face, how, in the stillness 
of my dead, promise after promise was 
brought to remembrance from the pre- 
cious Word, nor how God whispered with- 
in my heart such a desire that his death 
might mean the salvation of souls, and 
then and there did I take power, if possi- 
ble, to do donble work ; so that through- 
out eternity his little heart might be made 
glad over many who had thus in his 
name been won to Christ since his 
entrance into Heaven. 


Telegrams and quantities of letters 
full of sympathy and condolences were 
sent from far and near, and all that could 
have been done to comfort one was re- 
sorted to, but if it had not been for the 
Comforter Himself, it would only have 
gone a little way, as lovingly extended as 
they were, towards soothing or perma- 
nently healing such a wound. 

When quite a young child, several years 
before his grandfather’s death, he gave 


66 


him the name of his “little mate,” while 
Frankie called him the “ Captain,” as 
they would go off together on short 
pleasure trips from time to time during 
the summer months ; and so when the 
sad news reached his grandmother, miles 
away, we were much touched by receiv- 
ing a telegram which read as follows: 
“Place the little mate on the right side 
of his captain.” Accordingly, after very 
precious services held in our home, where 
sinners were plead with as God direct- 
ed, around his dainty white casket, sur- 
rounded by quantities of beautiful floral 
pieces and roses, etc., that order was car- 
ried out ; and while the earth was being 
thrown into the new-made grave once 
more, the sound was deadened by the 
dear friends who accompanied us sing- 
ing his favorite hymns, ending when all 
was over — and after even the grave dig- 
gers had been specially remembered in 
prayer — by singing “Nearer My God to 
Thee,” leaving the little mate on the 
right side of his captain (or rather that 
which was tenanted by them), to await 
“the trumpet of God,” when the Lord 


67 


Himself shall descend from Heaven 
with a shout, with the voice of the arch- 
angel, and the dead in Christ shall rise 
first, then we which are alive and re- 
main shall be caught up with them in the 
clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and 
so shall we ever be mith the Lord, i Thes. 
4: 15-61. 













• t 
/I 

♦ r 





4 I ' 


• I 

\ • 


I- 




f 


I 


0 


* 





% 


t.. 



4 





( 


* > 

• < 








r , 















UBRARV OF CONGRESS 



00055813717 


